‘Our greatest pals birthed our infants – it has been an absolute blessing’

Friends can develop into household while you click on – and one went above and past for her friends.

Stuart Armfield-Haugen, a local of Hayes, Middlesex, and Francis Armfield-Haugen, initially from Llandovery, Wales, have been collectively for nearly 14 years. They met by way of mutual pals a few years in the past, and have been collectively ever since.

This 12 months their dream got here true as they welcomed a bit one into the world. Their household was in a position to develop into full because of a really particular buddy, they usually now have over 1.1million followers on TikTok ( @stuartandfrancis ) who like to comply with their story.

READ MORE: ‘I gave beginning to my brother’s child – it was so particular and I’d do it once more’

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The couple have a son named Rio who was born by way of surrogate in November 2021. But their journey to parenthood hasn’t at all times been simple, as they have been about to undergo the complete course of in America earlier than their good buddy, Sam, supplied to be their surrogate.

Sam already had two youngsters earlier than agreeing to hold the infant, and each households proceed to be in one another’s lives as their journeys progress. Only one month after having Rio, Stuart and Francis determined they wished to undergo the method once more, however there have been so many issues to think about – primarily, they needed to create extra embryos and needed to transfer shortly with this, as they wished to make use of the identical egg donor so the kids would have a genetic connection.

At the time their shut buddy, Carley, watched their journey with Sam on-line and thought it was wonderful. She knew it was one thing she would like to do for them.

Once she realised her husband and kids have been open to it, she reached out to Stuart and Francis, and mentioned she’d like to do it for them. Perhaps seeing the couple so in love with one another sealed the deal, because the pair admit it actually was love at first sight.

You may say their pals made their dream of getting a household potential, and now their image is full.

Speaking completely to Daily Star, Stuart mentioned: “Having children is an incredible blessing, and I genuinely believe that Francis and I have become an even stronger team because of it. Working together to provide the best life for both of our kids has been an amazing journey.

“Rio, at this second, resides proof of simply how a lot he is having fun with life to the fullest. His boundless happiness and zest for all times are actually inspiring. We’re eagerly wanting ahead to instilling our constructive values in each Rio and Rebel.”

Though the couple’s story isn’t something you hear every day, they say they’ve been “lucky” that people have been so kind towards them. They think this is because people can see how much they love the little ones, and taking to social media to share their journey has helped.

Millions now watch them parent after following their quest to find happiness. They had always wanted children but, growing up, they said it seemed “unimaginable” for a homosexual couple like them to make it a actuality.

“Even people that may not have thought a two-dad family could work have changed their minds whilst watching our content,” he added.

“The best thing for Francis and I was introducing Rebel to Rio – my heart couldn’t take it. He was so excited to see her, and it honestly was so cute. I just loved every single second.

“That’s been our favorite factor thus far. But wanting ahead I can’t wait to see what her character is like.

“When we first had Rio we didn’t realise how incredible it would be to watch him grow and get to know his little personality, knowing Rebel has that same journey ahead of her as well is so exciting.”

Even although issues all labored out nicely, the pair admitted when a pal first supplied to be a surrogate they have been “uncertain”. They deliberate to undergo the entire course of in America, as they fearful involving a buddy might have an effect on the dynamics.

Then, the surprising occurred, and the world went into lockdown. As there have been so many journey restrictions in place, they realised that in the event that they pursued the American plan, they would not get to satisfy the surrogate till after she gave beginning.

Now they’re blissfully completely happy collectively as a household, however there aren’t any plans to make it any larger sooner or later.

When requested in the event that they hope to have any extra youngsters, Stuart mentioned: “No is the answer! We are 100% finished having babies – we are just looking forward to all the fun adventures we are going to go on as a family.”

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